Choosing an on-trend paint makes it easier to pull together a room because stores stock plenty of pieces in that colour palette. To help you get started, we asked Lori Byrne, a designer at Costandi Designs in Truro, N.S., and Laurie Cole, the owner and principal designer of New View Designs by Laurie Cole Inc. in Fredericton, to weigh in on the 2020 colours of the year.

First Light (2102-70) by Benjamin Moore

Millennial Pink was all the rage last year, but Byrne says First Light is shifting us toward a softer shade with warm, peachy undertones.

“I’d love to see this done up in the sweetest nursery or toddler’s room, but would love it equally as much for a touch of colour in a more modern space,” says Byrne. “It would be dreamy on bathroom cabinetry, too.”

Cole says she’d love to see this shade in a child’s room and it’s neutral enough to transition to a young adult bedroom.

“This colour could also be brought into master bedrooms or guest bedrooms through bedding, pillows, rugs, accent furniture, and artwork to keep the room fun and inviting,” says Cole.

Mystic Cobalt (6008-73) by Sico

It can be tricky to find the perfect blue that’s deep enough to be dramatic but not so dark that it’s intimidating, but Byrne thinks Sico nailed it with Mystic Cobalt.

“This is perfectly bold, bright and fun,” says Byrne. “This colour splashed around as an accent colour or paired with a bold orange, is something I could get behind.”

Cole says Mystic Cobalt would work well in a child’s bedroom balanced with a charcoal grey and mixed with plaids and warm wood tones to create a “cozy cabin feel.”

“It lends itself to a nautical look that could bring a boldness and excitement to a space,” says Cole. “It would also work really well on a front door to pop off neutral exterior siding.”

Honey I’m Home (SC193-3) by Beauti-tone

“This colour reminds me of a cognac leather tone,” says Cole. “It’s perfect for an otherwise modern or sterile space as it pairs well with blacks and whites.”

Byrne says Honey I’m Home is a hot colour that’s warm and inviting.
“I’d love to see a dining room with this colour on all the walls, a warm, rustic harvest table laden with farm-fresh food and the glow of candles,” says Byrne. “Paired with rich golds, brass, or wrought iron, this deep mustard tone will sing.”

Back to Nature (5340-4) by Behr

Byrne keeps coming back to this colour. “This easy-living green is muted, timeless, and classic,” she says. “It works in so many places, from front doors to dens to large living spaces. It’s also a great choice if you have wood trim but also pairs as wonderfully with shades of white.”

Cole says this crowd-pleasing colour could be used as an accent wall, but it’s not overpowering so you could paint an entire room with it.

“I consider Back to Nature a neutral,” says Cole. “It gives off a calm and balanced spa-like feeling, so it’s perfect for an environment you want to feel tranquil.”

Naval (SW62-44) by Sherwin Williams

Cole says Naval is one of her favourite paint hues because it’s so adaptable.
“It can go black or navy depending on the space and its surroundings,” says Cole. “This colour would make a statement as a kitchen island colour or, if you’re really daring, you could use it on a ceiling, contrasted with a light wall colour.”

Byrne also likes this brighter twist on classic navy, calling it “more light-hearted and fun.”

“This would work well in any space, from bedrooms to the cottage or a formal dining room,” says Byrne. “The 2020 colours lean heavily on the bold blues with good reason; they’re easy to work with and easy to live with.”

Chinese Porcelain (DLX1160-6) by Dulux

Cole would like to see Chinese Porcelain used on cabinets or perhaps as an accent wall in a home office or library, noting that it’s “very traditional” and would shine in more formal areas of the home.

Byrne says this rich, deep tone pairs well with a bright pop of primary colour, crisp white, or even earthy or bolder jewel tones. “It could be easily worked into the most ordinary or extraordinary of spaces.”